Texas proves depth at QB after first round

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III makes his way on another New York stage after the Redskins made him the No. 2 pick.

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After being penciled in as the No. 1 pick for what seems like forever, QB Andrew Luck was officialy by selected first by the Colts.

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Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass as Texas linebacker Keenan Robinson (1) defends during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011, in College Station, Texas.

Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a touchdown pass against Texas during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

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Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, in College Station, Texas. Missouri won in overtime 38-31.

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Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes under pressure from Kansas State defensive end Ryan Mueller (40) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State won the game 53-50 in quadruple overtime.

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Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden passes against Texas Tech in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

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Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden passes to Justin Blackmon for a touchdown in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

From Big Spring to College Station, Tannehill is headed to Miami, where he'll be reunited with new Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, his coach at Texas A&M.

“I answered the call and heard (general manager) Jeff Ireland and the rest of the crew on the other end,” Tannehill said. “I didn't know what to expect coming into today really. You hear the rumors.”

The Dolphins put out as much misinformation as they could to act as if they had no intention of taking Tannehill. Many bought into it. There were reports that Tannehill would go to Kansas City, Seattle or Philadelphia.

“It felt like a long wait just because you're sitting there,” Tannehill said about being backstage. “You're anxious, you're excited. But I'm thankful to get that call relatively early and be a part of the Dolphins.”

Tannehill, 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, started only 19 games for the Aggies. Not to be rushed, he'll be groomed behind Matt Moore, who was 6-6 as a starter last season.

“I can't wait to get to Miami and meet my new teammates and start to learn,” Tannehill said. “The Dolphins have great tradition. My familiarity with Coach Sherman and his offense will help.”

Tannehill won't have to start right away. Luck and Griffin will.

They were three quarterbacks from Texas selected among the first eight picks. When Cleveland choose Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round, that made three quarterbacks from the Big 12 drafted in the first round.

Luck, the first overall pick from Houston, will be under tremendous pressure to replace future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

“Peyton's arguably the greatest quarterback ever,” said Luck, the oldest son of former Oilers quarterback Oliver Luck. “He was my football hero growing up. I realize you don't really replace a guy like that. Those are huge shoes to fill.

“I'm not going crazy trying to do everything Peyton did. I realize we're different personalities, so I'll put my best foot forward and work hard every day. If one day I can be mentioned alongside Peyton in quarterback history, it would be a football dream come true.”

Griffin, who did two hours of interviews after being drafted, revealed he was wearing burgundy-and-gold socks, the colors of the Redskins.

Redskins fans at Radio City Music Hall kept chanting, “RG3, RG3.”

Griffin, of Copperas Cove, is eager to get to Washington and get to work.

“You want pressure as a quarterback,” he said. “It can keep you straight and make sure I involve my teammates.”